An evidence-based analysis of the behavioral health needs of SWSCHP members has prompted our health care cooperative to establish a preferred access relationship with a new network partner to vastly increase the in-network resources of SWSCHP and reduce costs to members.

We are delighted to announce that as of July 21, 2021, SWSCHP began its partnership with the highly regarded Montefiore-Einstein Psychiatry Associates at Montefiore Medical Center and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Montefiore has the distinction of being the first health system in New York City to earn a Behavioral Health Distinction from the National Committee for Quality Assurance/NCQA.

 SWSCHP’s members seek behavioral health assistance each year, especially for common issues like anxiety, substance disorders, and depression. As a result, SWSCHP has sought to expand its behavioral health network, since many members are using out-of-network healthcare providers, which triggers higher individual costs.

 “We have carefully researched the expansion of behavioral health services for more than a year as these needs have become more acute,” said SWSCHP Executive Director Dr. Peter Mustich. “This new partnership fully delivers on the SWSCHP mission to provide high-quality care in a fiscally efficient manner.” SWSCHP members will now have in-network preferred access to a much broader cohort of behavioral health specialists (more than 200 providers at Montefiore). They can access these specialists virtually or in-person and will not have to pay a deductible (as is done with out-of-network providers), only the normal $30 copay.

How It Works

Analysis shows that some individuals are referred for behavioral health care by their physicians but fail to follow through for a variety of reasons: time, perceived stigma, or difficulty in scheduling. We have sought to help our members overcome these challenges by making it as easy as possible to get the care they need. Our new behavioral health partnership is ready to be accessed by SWSCHP members today. We urge our members to talk to their doctors, call, or visit the special website to continue on the road to good health.

Call us toll-free (855-920-6372) or locally (914-377-4488)
Email us at
MEPA@montefiore.org

Members who are more comfortable with a referral from their primary care physician can alert the doctor to the new Montefiore-Einstein Psychiatry Associates partnership for referral. For more information and to review the complete list of providers, visit psychiatryassociates.montefiore.org, or the conventional Montefiore-Einstein MyChart.com service.

Depending on the preferred or required level of care, members can obtain services through video therapy or in-person sessions, with only a $30 copay required.